Catholic Mission is inviting Australians to explore the question, “What does hope look like?”, through a new exhibition.
“Hope”, a unique photographic exhibition celebrating 100 years of World Mission Sunday, will open in Sydney and online this October.
Through photographs capturing moments of encounter, faith, care and connection in communities around the world, “Hope” offers a glimpse into the people and experiences that have shaped Catholic Mission’s story.
Presented to mark the centenary of World Mission Sunday, the exhibition brings together photographs captured over the past decade across Africa, Asia and beyond, alongside historical World Mission Sunday posters that have accompanied generations of Australian Catholics.
“Hope is often found in the simplest moments, a gesture, in an encounter, in the care we show one another, perhaps in faith lived quietly through prayer and action and in people and communities working together for a better future,” Catholic Mission national director Peter Gates said.
“This exhibition is an opportunity to recognise those moments and to celebrate the extraordinary missionary spirit that continues to connect our Church communities in Australia with the local Church communities around the world.”
Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, World Mission Sunday created an annual moment for the whole Church to unite in support of its missionary work.
To be held on October 18, this year’s World Mission Sunday theme is “One in Christ, united in mission”, which invites Catholics to recognise their shared responsibility for mission and their connection with communities throughout the world.
Using photography as a medium to connect 100 years of faith in action was a deliberate choice for Catholic Mission communications and digital director Simone Medri.
“When I first started at Catholic Mission, I was blessed to travel and meet communities overseas who welcomed me and allowed me to walk alongside them, even for a moment. I wanted to find a way to capture those unique encounters and share what I had witnessed,” Mr Medri said.
“Through photography, I was able to capture a glimpse of those moments. Today, we want to share them as a celebration of our sisters and brothers around the world, and of our unity as one human family in Christ.”
The exhibition will be hosted in partnership with Australian Catholic University at its North Sydney campus from October 23 to November 9. It will also be available online from October 22. Details: www.catholicmission.org.au/exhibition.
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An Invitation to Experience Hope (Catholic Mission)
